Mac takes men’s silver at OUA squash championships

The Western Mustangs added another two banners to their incredible legacy in squash, winning the men’s and women’s titles at the Ontario University Athletics Squash Championships, presented by The Jesters Club, on Saturday (Feb. 14).

For the Mustangs’ men, it is a record 26th consecutive OUA title, a streak which began in 1983-84. It is also the 36th Harald Martin Trophy in school history. The Mustangs had little trouble deposing of the Queen’s Gaels and silver medalist McMaster Marauders, sweeping both opponents by 6-0 scores.

Western was led by OUA First Team All-Stars Chris Hanebury (Ajax) and Ryan Herden (Vancouver). No. 1 seed Hanebury defeated Alex Ford (London) of Queen’s 3-0 (9-0, 9-6, 9-1) in the semi-final, and McMaster’s Ahmed Shohayeb of Hamilton (9-7, 9-3, 7-9, 9-5) in the OUA final. Herden, the OUA Men’s Rookie of the Year, was also dominant from the No. 3 position, defeating Nicholas Burnett (Victoria, B.C.) of Queen’s 3-1 (9-2, 8-10, 9-3, 9-3) in the semi-final, and Michael Fong (Barrie) of McMaster 3-0 (9-0, 9-5, 9-2) in the final.

In the OUA bronze medal game, the McGill Redmen split their meeting with the Gaels 3-3, but claimed third place following OUA tiebreakers. Three matches went the full five-sets.

The Western Mustangs women’s team reclaimed the OUA title after a one-year absence, defeating the favourite Toronto Varsity Blues 5-1 for the championship. The Varsity Blues had a five-game win streak heading into the final.

The Mustangs were led by OUA Women’s Player of the Year Stephanie Edmison (Toronto), who won two matches, including a 3-0 (9-0, 9-0, 9-0) clean sweep of fellow OUA First Team All-Star Karlene Headley-Cooper (Mississauga) of the Varsity Blues. Another First Team All-Star Heather Lamb (Calgary) was also triumphant in the final, defeating Toronto counterpart Megan Northey (Victoria, B.C.) 3-0 (9-2, 9-0, 9-1).

Daniah Shamim (Oshawa) was the only Varsity Blue to earn a win against Western, defeating Kathleen Horman (Toronto) 3-0 (10-8, 9-6, 9-1). Horman was the OUA Women’s Rookie of the Year.

Western wins the women’s Squash Plaque for the third time in four seasons and the 10th time overall. The plaque was first donated in 1979 by York University in memory of Lillian D’Urzo.